Have you ever been to a workshop? | June 12, 2013

For the past week And a half I've had the fabulous experience of taking a workshop at La Meridiana in Tuscany with Mark Hewitt. it's been fun seeing the Potters Council group here while they are taking their workshop and trip with Marcia Selsor. Have you ever been to a workshop? Who was it with and where was it? What was your experience? What did you enjoy the most. What factoid was alone worth the price of admission?

I have attended numerous workshops, and although I got something out of all of them, I find that I get more out of the later workshops, as my skills have grown and I can apply the knowledge better.

My most recent workshop was with Tony Clennell, watching him explaining and throwing his large work, and approach to handles. He made a prodigious amount of work, got Ron Myers to come by, and in general inspired his audience. Using the technique, I was able to put together a 30+ pound "Texas Sugar Bowl" when I returned to my home studio.That one made it nice to know I can make the big work that once seemed so beyond my ability.

Before that there was a Steven Hill workshop that had a hands-on portion where we were able to apply his knowledge and technique to our pots using his glazes. From that one I had a pot that was awarded Second in Show in a 3-D show. With his guidance, I corrected some spraying errors and now spray most of my glazes.

From a Jennifer McCurdy workshop explaining her technique, I learned that incredibly ethereal pieces can be made (even by me) with application of a little knowledge of structure, when to work the clay, and specific techniques. Several of my favorite pieces were made after that workshop.

Fong Choo's workshop was my first, and introduced me to one of my clay heroes I found during seeking clay education through YouTube videos. He shares with me a penchant for making tools for clay work, and there is a tool he demonstrated, and that I made a version of, that I use every time I work at the wheel. Even though it was my first workshop, some of the things I learned in his workshop are reflected in almost every pot I make in some way. He even demonstrated making handles with reeds and discussed marketing with us, which have also showed up much later in my work and sales presentation.

All were enjoyable, and it is good to see other potters and hear their tales in the company of like minded folks. Occasionally something will pop up while making that wasn't an active choice, but a lightbulb moment of realization of a technique demonstrated or discussed during a workshop, and another chance to apply the knowledge.

One of the best workshops I have attended was in Santa Ana, CA. with Michael Sherrill, I learned a lot with him about colored slips and extrusion, but nothing like listening to Michale S. talk about his experiences and work, he is just wonderful, he is without a doubt one of the best potters of our time.

I went to a workshop with Paul Soldner back in 1967 or so at the Wallingford ArtCenter. we built a corbeled raku kiln in the snow.
Paul was a real energetic demonstrator. t was a life long inspiration. Just finished one with Paola Paronetto and Pietro Maddelena on Soft Raku with the Potters Council group at La Meridiana
marcia
Check out the terra sig ..wow!

I am a great fan of Jennifer McCurdy. Having found her on the Internet and watching the only 2 videos of her working, I contacted her and visited her last Autumn on a trip to the US from England. Like many potters I've met she was warm, welcoming and very generous, giving her precious time (she was preparing for an upcoming show), showing me her studio and telling me about her work. I just love her pieces and am totally in awe of her skill - more and more so, as I make feeble attempts at using some of her techniques. If you like porcelain and want to see someone working it with amazing skill and precision, take a look at Jen on youtube.com. Awesome!

I have attended a workshop also at La Meridiana this January, with Pietro Maddalena as teacher. He is such a funny clown and a perfect teacher in one. Looking at your picture lorielle, I'am getting homesickness. The stove in the back of the pic was heated every morning with wood. It was very cosy. I miss the Meridiana team (and Lucias meals!). I hope I will be able to attend another workshop at La Meridiana in autumn 2014 with Ellen Shankin. The one she's doing this year is already fully booked....

Last year I went all the way to Lexington Kentucky for a workshop. The Ceramic Voice with Linda Arbuckle, Lisa Clague, Ron Meyers, Karen Newgard, Kevin Snipes and Kurt Weiser. I've been working with clay for over 35 years but it's never too late to pick up some new chops. All of the artists were so good at instruction and so generous with sharing all their little secrets to success. This was my first Potters workshop and even though it wasn't easy for me to get to Lexington Ky I had a wonderful time and came back inspired and loaded to the gills with new technique. Lisa Clague and he process was especially fresh and uncomplicated.. keeping it simple is where I like to be.

This spring one of my newest ceramic idols, Jeremy Randall, gave a workshop. I was so happy to learn how to do his smooth terra sig surfaces and slab throwing technique. The man can throw a HUGE slab with nary a fingerprint on it.

I'd love to take a workshop from Jennifer McCurdey too, like Celia UK.